A near perfect evening at the Vicarage Road saw Manchester United claiming three points against Watford. The Hornets were no match for Jose Mourinho’ side as United steamrolled them 4-2.
United took a three-goal lead in the first half only and the scoreline could have been embarrassing for the home side had the visitors not wasted a number of gilt-edged chances.
Ashley Young opened the scoring with a perfectly weighted volley. The makeshift left wing back then doubled the lead with an exquisite free kick. Anthony Martial scored the third goal but there was some late scare as Watford pulled two goals back.
But Jesse Lingard ensured the lead was intact as he netted the fourth goal to keep the juggernaut rolling.
Manchester United Player Ratings:
David De Gea- 6
Had an errorless evening almost.
Chris Smalling-7
Guarded the defence pretty effortlessly.
Victor Lindelof- 7.5
Perhaps his best performance in a United shirt. The Swedish international didn’t allow the dangerous Richarlison an inch in the attacking third and successfully kept him away. He also made a number of important interceptions.
Marcos Rojo- 6
A bit careless as he gave away the penalty in the second half. The foul was pretty reckless and Mourinho will definitely have a word with his Argentine defender.
Ashley Young- 8
Old wine in a new bottle. The once-forgotten Englishman is once again showing glimpses of his old form, which compelled Sir Alex to sign him in his prime. Proved to be the difference between the two teams. His first goal was quite brilliant while his free-kick was out of the world.
Antonio Valencia- 6
Had a quite good game comparatively.
Paul Pogba- 7
Was full of energy as he roamed around the pitch. Played some delightful balls forward and looked like a real threat at times.
Nemanja Matic- 5
Wasn’t at his best. Had to be substituted following an injury concern.
Jesse Lingard- 6.5
Made his quirky little moves in the Watford attacking areas to keep them busy. The fourth goal was a wonderful solo effort as he got past a number of defenders to give United three precious points.
Anthony Martial- 7
Ventured forward with his bombarding runs. Implemented the attacking intent quite nicely. Netted the third goal with a neat finish.
Romelu Lukaku- 5
It simply wasn’t his day. Missed a one on one against the Watford keeper and Mourinho needs to find some way quickly to get him back to scoring ways.
Substitutes
Ander Herrera- 6
Replaced Matic and kept the pressure well.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic- N/A
Marcus Rashford-5
Tried to contribute to the attack.
